The Oilers need to sign both Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard to long-term deals this summer, but could they also fit in Mikko Rantanen?

Here are three blockbuster Avalanche trade targets in the wake of the stunning Mikko Rantanen trade with the Hurricanes.

The Colorado Avalanche stunningly traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night, and he was reportedly blindsided.

Mikko Rantanen has only been a Carolina Hurricane for a few days. Yet, that hasn't stopped analysts in the hockey world from speculating about his future.

Mikko Rantanen has been traded to the Hurricanes in recent days. But even though the trade was unexpected, it doesn’t mean he will automatically continue his career in Carolina for the next few years.

After a shocking trade, the Hurricanes have elevated their chances of winning the Stanley Cup in the 2024-25 NHL season. Which other teams are contenders?

Chris MacFarland pointed to Rantanen’s pending free agency and the club’s desire to get deeper after three years of being short in that department as reasons for the trade. The NHL’s salary cap ceiling, which is set at $88 million this year but is expected to rise — possibly significantly — in the next couple of seasons is also a factor.

Rantanen is an elite NHL scorer. He’s a house of man (six-foot-four, 215 pounds) who can be described as equal parts shooter and distributor. Most of his assists come off the cycle or by outmuscling opponents to extend plays in the trenches. He isn’t a massive threat off the rush, though.

Rantanen has 64 points in 50 games. If the Oilers were to add a player of his caliber, it would certainly bring stability to the revolving door that has been the Oilers' top-six forward group. Additionally, Rantanen won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche. And you can never have too many winners on your team.

Your look at trends in fantasy hockey with goalie, power-play and droppable notes, with a focus on shots generated by top lines.

According to Puck Pedia, the Oilers will have $11.61 million of cap space next year, assuming the salary cap will be $88 million. Some say the cap will increase to at least $95 million, but potentially more, which would give Edmonton ample room to get some signings done.